HUGHTON: WE MUST BE LEVEL-HEADED AND POSITIVE

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton insists that he will remain grounded throughout the entire Premier League campaign, regardless of the opposition in the top flight.

The Seagulls host Swansea City this afternoon at the Amex Stadium looking to register back-to-back home victories in the Premier League for the second time this campaign, and the boss stressed the importance of keeping positive.

He said, “For me it’s always about being as level-headed as possible and as positive as possible.

“For me it’s about trying to be exactly the same in my approach and in how I am with the players in those periods.

“In everything we do there has to be that little fear of failure that motivates us, and I think that’s what drives players and managers on.”

Albion are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, and explained that confidence levels are high within the squad.

“The mood is very good and I would expect that.

“We’re on a decent run at the moment, we have managed to stay in the FA Cup and apart from Dale Stephens and Davy Propper playing a half each, and maybe Solly [March] on the wing, it was almost an entirely different team from the week before.

“So that is really good for the group because there aren’t that many players who haven’t played games - around all of that you’ve got that competition, and the fact that we’re on a decent run means there’s a real good feel around the place.”

The game against Carlos Carvahal’s men is another important game in the bottom half of the table, with only one point and two places separating the two clubs.

"They're looking forward to the game and the challenge.

“I know we lost heavily against Chelsea, but I think the general feel is that it flattered them, and the other one [heavy defeat] was Liverpool.

“But apart from that, we’ve been competitive in most games and that gives the players confidence. If they can keep that level of competitiveness, then we have a good chance of winning any game – that’s how we’ve been all season.”

Fans can watch the manager’s full look ahead to this afternoon’s game above on Seagulls TV – and fans can sign up to the service by clicking here.